WHERE THERE'S SMOKE, THERE'S FLARING
Where there’s smoke, there’s flaring
Using vapour recovery units (VRUs) to capture methane instead of burning it makes good environmental and business sense.
WASTE ENERGY
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps 25% more heat in Earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide (CO2). Methane is also worth cold hard cash because it’s the main component in natural gas and a valuable feedstock in many petrochemical processes including the manufacture of fertilizer.
Losing methane to the atmosphere is not good practice, so Canada’s natural gas and oil producers make significant efforts to capture methane to reduce emissions, increase revenues, and to meet Canada’s methane emission reduction target: cut methane emissions by 45% from 2012 levels by 2025.
(Photo courtesy of Aspenleaf Energy.)
The VRU Equipment is contained within one building and has a relatively small footprint, but this installation efficiently captures methane and reduces emissions.
Since installation, the VRU has reduced the gas plant’s emissions by more than 25 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per day, or about 9,500 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year.
Venting and Flaring: What's the difference?
Venting and flaring are controlled releases of natural gas (not leaks). Flaring is the planned burning and release of methane into the atmosphere. Venting is the release of unburned gases, sometimes necessary for safety. Canada’s natural gas and oil producers aim to avoid unnecessary flaring and venting.
Share Now
You’re welcome to SHARE this article and LEARN MORE about how Canada’s natural gas and oil producers are taking action on climate change.
LEARN MORE
ALBERTA ON TRACK TO MEET 2025 METHANE REDUCTION TARGET
Learn more about the industry’s exceptional progress toward meeting Canada’s methane reduction goal.
WHAT IF COUNTRIES REDUCED FLARING LIKE CANADA?
Learn more about Canada’s methane reduction leadership.
